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🐾 Welcome to the Foster Fam!

Your Guide to the First Few Days with Your New Dog or Puppy

Hey there, superstar! 🎉

First of all, THANK YOU for stepping up and saying “yes” to fostering. Whether you’ve fostered before or this is your very first go-round, we’re so glad you’re here—and your new furry house guest is, too. You’ve officially joined the ranks of lifesavers, tail wipers, treat givers, and professional belly rubbers. Let’s get you set up for success, shall we?

🏡 What’s Happening Right Now (AKA The “Decompression Phase”)

Imagine being dropped into a brand-new house with strangers who speak a weird language, eat different food, and keep offering you cheese. That’s kinda what this is like for your foster pup. Whether they came from a stressful shelter, a crowded home, or the streets, your place is new territory. It’s totally normal if they seem shy, overwhelmed, or even a little loopy for the first few days.

Pro tips for the first 72 hours:

We call this the “decompression period”—it’s a little like a doggy reset button. Don’t expect perfect behavior. Don’t panic if they don’t eat or poop the first day. Everything is weird for them right now.

🍽 Feeding & Treats

When you picked up your foster pup, we sent you home with food they’re already eating to avoid tummy trouble. Stick to that brand unless we say otherwise.

Also: table scraps? That’s a no. Not just because of the begging, but because things like grapes, onions, chocolate, and fatty foods can be super dangerous for dogs.

🚽 Potty Time!

If your dog is fully grown, they may already be house-trained—but don’t assume! Stress and new places can cause even housebroken dogs to forget everything they ever knew about going outside.

Here’s how to help them succeed:

For puppies, crate training and regular outdoor potty trips are your best friend. It’ll save your floors—and your sanity.

🧼 Crate Training & Alone Time

Even if your pup has never seen a crate before, it can become a cozy, safe little den if you introduce it right.

And yes—you should absolutely leave them alone sometimes. Dogs need to learn that it’s okay when humans leave the room (or the house). Build up alone time in short bursts with something yummy to chew on.

🐕 Walks & Exercise

Every dog has different energy levels. Some are couch potatoes. Some are basically fuzzy rockets on four legs.

Your job? Meet them in the middle.

Start with short walks on a leash in safe, familiar areas. Let them sniff! It’s how they learn about their world. Don’t rush them. And remember—young puppies shouldn’t be walked in public places until they’re fully vaccinated (we’ll let you know where they’re at).

💊 Medications & Vet Visits

If your foster pup needs meds, we’ve already talked you through it, but here’s a quick reminder:

Never take your foster to your own vet without checking with us first. We’ve got partners and procedures to keep everything covered.

🛑 Behavior Stuff (and What’s Normal)

Your foster may:

Don’t worry—it’s normal. We’re here to help. Send us a message, share a video, and we’ll troubleshoot together.

If you’re fostering a puppy, just know that everything goes in the mouth—your hands, your couch, your flip flops. Time, toys, and supervision are key. And don’t forget to puppy-proof your space: cords, trash cans, snacks, shoes, and anything smaller than your fist should be off limits.

❤️ Loving Without Keeping

We get it. You’re gonna bond. You’re gonna fall hard. That floppy ear. That perfect head tilt. That time they finally peed outside and gave you a high five? You’re gonna feel it.

But remember: fostering saves lives because it opens up space in the shelter for another animal in need. When your pup gets adopted, that’s not the end—it’s the beginning for them and the next life you’ll help save.

And hey… if you do end up adopting? We won’t judge. We’ll probably cheer.

📞 Contact Info & Support

Shelter Phone: 423-581-1494
Website for FAQs & tips: mh-humanesociety.com/foster

Reach out via phone, email, or Facebook message if you have questions, concerns, or even just a funny picture to share (please share the funny pictures).

You Got This 💪

Fostering isn’t always easy—but it’s always worth it. You’re giving a dog or puppy a chance to learn what love feels like. That’s no small thing. That’s HUGE.

We believe in you. Your foster believes in you (even if they’re still hiding behind the couch). And we’re here to help every step of the way.

So take a deep breath, grab some paper towels (trust us, you’ll need ‘em), and enjoy the ride.

You’re officially a Foster Hero.